The Universal Church has been observing the week of Consecrated Women starting from the International Women's Day on March 8. The week of Women Religious ends today (14). Despite the fact that they don't have the same status as priests and most male Religious because the latter enjoy priesthood; despite the fact that the Church is so much male dominant and gender discriminated; despite the fact that every woman these days has every opportunity in the world to celebrate her life; despite the fact that any woman with decent education can get a good job anywhere in the world and a life partner from any country in the world; despite the fact that the media and movie industry and all those who do not need to do an audit of their words have thrown so much black paint upon this lifestyle; despite the fact that due to all the above reasons parents, siblings and relatives do dissuade anyone aspiring to embrace this style of life; isn't it the greatest wonder that still, even today there are some women who choose to walk this path?

The world has not yet given them the recognition they deserve for their work in areas of serving the poor, working for economic well-being, educating the masses, community organization, women's safety and advancement, health sector development, and efforts to end discrimination.

If the world has come this far today in terms of education, intellectual development, and economic and social progress, the truth is that behind all this advancement, there was the dedicated lives of hundreds of thousands of nuns upto one or two generations before. Although not with the same great impact as in the past, this group of people are still very active in all such areas. History can never audit the good that has come about in the world due to their prayers, life examples, and life sacrifices!

Mother Catherine Drexel (1826 - 1858): The daughter of a millionaire, who became a consecrated nun and died at the age of 32. She had established more than sixty schools and colleges, including a university for the Native American and African American peoples.

Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917): The woman who established schools, colleges, and hospitals in Europe, Latin America, United States of America, and in the Caribbean during her lifetime.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997): A woman who started and ran 517 charitable missions in 100 countries during her lifetime and served millions of neglected people.

Sister Mary Kenneth Keller (1913 -1985): The first person to receive a doctorate in computer science in the United States and did great contributions in the field of computer education.

And, how many thousands more?!